Anyone who’s a big fan of 1987’s The Princess Bride has likely heard stories about pro wrestler Andre Roussimoff, better known by most as Andre the Giant, who played Fezzik in the movie. Whether it was Billy Crystal and Robin Wright, or Cary Elwes, or someone else, many great stories came from the making of the classic movie.
And that was just one small part of the larger than life figure’s time with us. The more stories we’d hear about him, the bigger the question became: why hasn’t anyone made a movie about Andre yet? Now it appears this question won’t need to be asked anymore. It’s being reported that a movie about the life of Andre the Giant is currently being developed.
Lion Forge Comics has teamed up with producers Scott Steindorff and Dylan Russell to develop the movie, which will be based on the authorized graphic novel biography titled Andre the Giant: Closer to Heaven. Andre’s own daughter, Robin Christensen-Roussimoff, will consult on the project.
Of the project, Steindorff said:
“Andre the Giant rode the wave of the rise of wrestling in America, while suffering from the painful health condition of gigantism – there’s an Elephant Man story here.”
Lion Forge Comics CEO David Steward II said:
“As a lifelong wrestling fan, I can say with conviction that no one was bigger than Andre. His presence and charisma were so powerful, and you could tell there was much more to him under the surface of his ring persona. It’s been an amazing experience telling that story in the book with Robin’s help. With all the spectacle, action, and emotion there on the page, a feature film just made perfect sense.”
And finally, Andre’s daughter Robin said:
“I’m really excited to watch this story come to life on the big screen. It’s been a labor of love for everyone involved, and we’re really looking forward to making it available to a larger audience.”
No word yet on when we might see the movie, but a fittingly large problem looms: finding an actor to play the over seven-foot-tall, 500 pound French giant. I do not envy those in charge of casting this one. Best of luck.
[Source: Variety]
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